I used to be full of life. I loved my parties and socialising, I went to the gym and loved dancing. I was just starting out as an investor after working as a successful clothing manager. Then in 2008, when I was 33, it was all taken away. ‘Back then I had heavy periods. I was told I needed a “very simple hysterectomy”. But when I woke up from the surgery, I was in so much pain I could hardly walk. We were living in France due to my husband’s work; I came back to England so my mum could help me. But my mobility didn’t improve, and on top of that, I was having respiratory issues, allergies and muscular problems. I also started having neurological symptoms and trouble speaking. Then came rashes, visual disturbances, auditory issues and stability problems. I’d often fall, and I contracted sepsis. So many things happened in such a short space of time.’
LIFE-CHANGING EFFECTS